Mauck CK, Creinin MD, Rountree W, Callahan MM, Hillier SL. Lea's Shield®: colposcopic and microbiological testing during 8 weeks of use.
Contraception 2005;
72:53-9. [PMID:
15964293 DOI:
10.1016/j.contraception.2005.01.007]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2004] [Revised: 01/19/2005] [Accepted: 01/19/2005] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
The aims of this study were to assess the effects of Lea's Shield(R) plus nonoxynol-9 spermicide on signs and symptoms of female genital irritation and cervical and vaginal microflora during 8 weeks of use with intercourse and to analyze problems associated with the use of the device.
METHODS
In this open-label, single-arm study, participants were evaluated by pelvic examination, colposcopy and vaginal and cervical cultures.
RESULTS
About 13% of women (4/30) reported symptoms of irritation, and minor product-related colposcopic findings were seen in about one third (11/30). Although average colony counts for enterococcus, Escherichia coli and anaerobic gram-negative rods increased during product use, no clinical diagnoses of infection were made. Most users reported at least one problem using Lea's Shield.
CONCLUSION
Lea's Shield, when used for 8 weeks during intercourse, is associated with evidence of genital irritation in a minority of users and with changes in vaginal microflora that do not appear to correlate with clinical infections.
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